Fujifilm X100F Review

Review Date: May 15, 2017

Category: Serious to Advanced Amateur

Photoxels Editor’s Choice – Compact Premium

1 Executive Summary

1 Executive Summary
2 Image Quality
3 Photo Gallery
4 Handling & Feel
5 User’s Experience
6 QuickFact Sheet / Buy this camera

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Fujifilm X100F Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.

Fine craftsmanship. The “F” label had always been reserved for the top model of the 35mm film SLR cameras. So, you had the Nikon F2 and the Canon F1, both dueling it out among the top professional photographers. So, it is fitting that the fourth generation of the X100 cameras sports the iconic “F’ (for “Fourth”) label. In our opinion, a “B” label would be more fitting: the X100F is now not just retro Beauty but also a formidable Beast. The Fujifilm X100F is the camera you have all been waiting for or longingly wished you owned.

The X100F is basically an upgraded X100T, but the enhancements are worthwhile: the excellent 24-MP APS-C CMOS III sensor found in the professional X-Pro2 and X-T2; the Focus Lever (“AF joystick”) that makes choosing a focus point a snap; a second Command (Front) dial; a retro ISO dial (with the modern option of using the Front dial to select ISO); the acclaimed ACROS Film Simulation Mode; an improved Menu structure; better external Flash controls; and the more powerful NP-126S battery used in the Interchangeable Lens X-Series cameras. Overall, the camera is also faster and more responsive. It has retained the same 23mm (35mm equiv.) F2 lens, the same 3″ 1.04k-dot LCD, and the same hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder (though with a faster refresh rate). Is it worth upgrading from a previous version of the X100? Absolutely.

As was the case for the previous model (X100T), all the buzz surrounding this head (and heart)-stopping beauty revolves around three main differentiators: 1) outstanding image quality rivaling top end DSLRs in a compact package; 2) an advanced hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder that works superbly, even while manual focusing using the optical viewfinder; and, 3) dedicated and intuitive dials that directly control exposure settings.

If you are looking for a large sensor digital camera that will accept interchangeable lenses, check out Fujifilm’s award-winning X-Pro2 and X-T2 interchangeable lens cameras. The X100 series is meant to be compact, unobtrusive, low-key, inconspicuous, approachable and friendly — and the X100F succeeds in looking unthreatening with its rangefinder-style design. Still, there’s no denying the gorgeous retro look of the X100F and many of you will “fall in love” with it and make a purchasing decision based on your heart; the fact that it rivals top-end DSLRs in image quality and performance will make your decision a smart one, too.

With the Fujifilm X100F, you can now have a small, discrete, ultra-performing camera that may rekindle your passion for photography, while allowing you to maintain your high standards for image quality. Throw in the optional wide-angle and tele conversion lenses and you have 28mm, 35mm and 50mm (all 35mm equivalent focal lengths) coverage in a compact package, perfect for traveling light.

See if you fit the Fujifilm X100F User Profile below: